Kent County Council (KCC), in partnership with Stagecoach, is enhancing public transport connectivity in Dover with an extended Fastrack timetable that better aligns with Southeastern’s High Speed services from Dover Priory.
From Monday 8 December, the Fastrack timetables will be extended seven days a week. Monday to Saturday services will be timed to meet the first and last High Speed Rail services to and from London.
This update marks a significant milestone, with Dover Fastrack now reaching its full intended timetable, having previously been made shorter. The improved schedule will make it easier for passengers to transfer between bus and rail, creating smoother, more efficient journeys and supporting the local community’s access to London.
In addition, a new trial bus service, Route 66, operated by Stagecoach, will launch to the Port of Dover, offering a direct and convenient link to one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs. This pilot route is dependent on passenger uptake to ensure its continuation – residents and visitors are encouraged to use the service to help secure its future.
As part of the wider network update, Route 67 shuttle service will be withdrawn on Friday 5 December due to consistently low passenger numbers. Introduced last year as a 12-month trial funded through the overall Dover Fastrack budget, the service was subject to review based on usage.
To help maintain connectivity for areas previously covered by Route 67, the new Port of Dover service will include Whitfield. Buckland Hospital and the River area will continue to be served by Route 64, ensuring ongoing access to public transport.
Spencer Dixon, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I’m pleased to see Dover Fastrack reaching its full potential with this extended timetable. These improvements will make public transport more reliable and accessible for residents, especially those commuting to and from London.
‘The new link to the Port of Dover is an exciting addition, which I encourage everyone to use to help ensure its long-term success. Maintaining connectivity is a top priority for KCC. We are thankful to Stagecoach that the Port of Dover service includes Whitfield, and that other areas such as Buckland Hospital and River continue to be served.”
Joel Mitchell, Managing Director for Stagecoach South East, said: “We are pleased to be introducing the new Route 66 as a pilot, which strengthens local connections and provides an important link to the Port of Dover. We recognised the need to maintain access for communities previously served by Route 67, which is why we ensured Whitfield is included within the new route. We’re committed to supporting Dover’s transport network and look forward to welcoming customers on board.”
For more information and the new timetables visit: Fastrack timetable extension and new Port of Dover service | Stagecoach
